BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho Vandals are heading back to March Madness. For the first time in over 35 years, the Vandals have secured the Big Sky Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament Championship, defeating the Montana Grizzlies 77-66 on Wednesday evening at the Idaho Central Arena. This victory marks Idaho’s first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1990, ending a decades-long drought for the program.
The seventh-seeded Vandals navigated a challenging tournament bracket, overcoming higher-ranked opponents to claim the title. Their path to the championship included victories over No. 8 Sacramento State, No. 2 Montana State, and No. 3 seed Eastern Washington, demonstrating a remarkable run of form at the perfect time. This unexpected surge has energized fans and rewritten expectations for the Idaho basketball program.
Isaiah Brickner led the Vandals in the championship game with 23 points and 10 rebounds, achieving his first double-double of the season. Brody Rowbury added 12 points, contributing to a balanced offensive effort that proved too much for the Grizzlies. Idaho’s consistent performance throughout the tournament, marked by strong margins in several games, highlighted their resilience and determination. According to University of Idaho Athletics, the Vandals consistently outperformed opponents in key statistical categories.
Montana’s Money Williams, despite being on the losing side, was named Tournament MVP after a record-breaking performance. He scored a tournament-record 91 total points over three contests, showcasing his offensive prowess. Williams led the Grizzlies (18-16) with 19 points in the final game, alongside Te’Jon Sawyer, as well with 19 points, and Brooklyn Hicks with 11. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome Idaho’s determined play.
The Vandals snapped a nine-game losing streak against Montana, improving their overall series record to 113-99, as noted in reports from KTVB. Under third-year coach Alex Pribble, Idaho has achieved its most victories since the 2015-16 season, finishing with a 21-14 record.
Idaho’s Road to the Championship
Idaho’s journey through the Big Sky Tournament was marked by consistent improvement and strategic play. They defeated Eastern Washington 81-68 in the semifinals and Montana State in an earlier round, building momentum with each victory. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and perform under pressure was a key factor in their success. ESPN reports that Idaho played its fourth game in five days, demonstrating remarkable stamina and focus.
All-Tournament Team Honors
The 2026 Men’s Basketball All-Tournament Team recognizes the outstanding players who contributed to the tournament’s excitement:
- Money Williams, Montana (MVP)
- Kolton Mitchell, Idaho
- Jackson Rasmussen, Idaho
- Isaiah Brickner, Idaho
- Terri Miller Jr., Portland State
- Alton Hamilton IV, Eastern Washington
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Selection Show will air live on CBS this Sunday, March 15th at 4 p.m. MT, where the Vandals will learn their opponent and seeding. Fans are eagerly anticipating the selection show, hoping for a favorable matchup as Idaho prepares to compete on the national stage.
The Vandals’ championship run represents a significant turning point for the program and a source of pride for the University of Idaho and its supporters. As they prepare for the NCAA Tournament, the team will look to build on their recent success and make a lasting impression on the college basketball landscape. Stay tuned for further updates on Idaho’s tournament journey.
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